Firefinch to publish Heather Morris' new historical novel
Firefinch is set to publish The Tattooist of Auschwitz author Heather Morris’ new historical novel. Kate Parkin and Margaret Stead of Firefinch acquired world rights all languages to The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse, which is set to be published in autumn 2026.
The book follows a Jewish family living in Montparnasse, occupied Paris in 1942, when the Nazis came for them. The synopsis continues: "In the chaos, the 11-year-old daughter ran to the only person she could trust, her piano teacher, Andrée Levallois, secretly a French Resistance operative. Andrée took her in, risking everything. But the authorities were closing in, and soon Andrée and the girl were caught in a desperate race to stay alive. Andrée was denounced, arrested, tortured and sent to the hell of Ravensbrück Women’s Concentration Camp. There, she fought for her life, determined to return and honour her promise to save the girl who had been entrusted to her care."
The publisher described the book, which is based on true life people and events, as "epic in scope", adding: "Heather Morris has written a story of breathtaking beauty, at once gripping, heartbreaking and uplifting."
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Morris was born in New Zealand and her life changed in 2003 when she met Lale Sokolov. His story formed the basis of her first novel, The Tattooist of Auschwitz and its follow up Cilka’s Journey. Her third novel, Three Sisters, concluded the trilogy.
Morris said: "I am delighted to be joining the team at Firefinch Publishing, a team I have worked with in the past, a team who contributed so much to the success of my novels. Going forward, together, we will continue to bring stories of hope, resilience, love and incredible courage of ordinary people who lived during extraordinary times."
Parkin said: "Once again, Heather Morris has uncovered a story of extraordinary bravery. The powerful bond between Andrée Levallois and the child she sheltered resonates down the generations as a symbol of the best of humanity in the worst of times. I defy anyone to read this and not be moved. We are honoured to be able to publish it."
Stead said: "Working with Heather has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. She is a wonderful writer – collaborative, creative, empathetic. The stories seem magically to find her, and this new novel is utterly spellbinding and, once again, based on real people and events. Kate and I are so lucky that Heather has decided to join the Firefinch team, and we can’t wait to share The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse with her readers across the world."
